It's All About Performance!
This is where passion meets paws in the pursuit of excellence! At Opal Ridge, we take pride in breeding and nurturing Miniature Schnauzers that not only embody the charm and intelligence of the breed but also excel in various canine performance sports.
Opal Ridge Miniature Schnauzers are selectively bred for not only their conformational beauty but also their exceptional performance capabilities. Our dogs are raised in a loving environment that nurtures their natural instincts and encourages the development of skills that make them versatile performers.
At Opal Ridge Kennels, our puppies are thoughtfully raised with intention from the very beginning. Starting at just three weeks of age, we begin structured, age-appropriate enrichment using the proven Puppy Culture program and the Rule of Sevens, ensuring each puppy experiences a wide variety of sights, sounds, surfaces, environments, and gentle challenges during critical developmental windows. Our puppies are raised in a natural, home-centered environment where they are exposed to everyday household activity, new people, and supervised outdoor exploration. This early foundation builds confidence, resilience, and strong nerve—qualities essential for both beloved family companions and future performance or show prospects. By the time our puppies leave for their new homes, they are well-socialized, emotionally balanced, and thoughtfully prepared to thrive—whether in the performance ring or as a cherished member of the family.
What is a Performance Dog?
In the world of canine competitions, a performance dog is one that excels in various events and activities beyond the show ring. According to championship rules, performance dogs showcase their skills in agility, rally, barn hunt, therapy work, flyball, fast cat, and more. These events not only highlight the physical prowess of the dog but also emphasize their intelligence, adaptability, and teamwork with their human counterparts.
Types of Performance Dogs
Discover the exciting world of canine performance. Dogs are trained and compete in a variety of events, including:
Agility: Navigate through a timed obstacle course with precision and speed.
Rally: Showcase obedience skills through a series of designated exercises.
Barn Hunt: Demonstrate hunting instincts by finding hidden rats in a maze of straw bales.
Therapy Work: Provide comfort and companionship to those in need.
Flyball: Engage in a relay race, hurdling obstacles to trigger a ball-release mechanism.
Fast Cat: Sprint in a straight race to test speed and agility.
